All posts by Mark L Baynard, Author

Mark L Baynard is an author, Book Publisher, youth advocate, and a true success story. He overcame a past of crime, drugs, and prison by now making a difference in his community. Marks was raised in a Housing Project in Wilmington, Delaware, along with his siblings, by his single Mother. He also visited his dad and other siblings in Alabama each year. His mother was a very hard worker who worked two low-paying jobs to raise her five children. His mother raised him to be respectful to others. During his teenage years, Mark began searching for meaning in his life. Having low self-esteem, he started experimenting with marijuana, alcohol and other drugs. This was just the beginning of more problems to come. Mark eventually started selling drugs and living the lifestyle that goes along with it. Due to the choices that he made, Mark ended up going to prison for drugs. Mark was released from prison after serving a two-year sentence. He returned to selling drugs and making unwise choices. Within a year, Mark was back in prison for drugs. He ended up serving thirteen years before being released. While serving time, Mark started accepting responsibility for his actions and began addressing his personal issues. Once he was released in 2004, he moved to Montgomery, Alabama with family. He eventually met a young lady whom he married. They now share a ten-year-old daughter together. Mark also has a twenty-four-year-old daughter prior to his marriage. Mark decided to further his education by enrolling in Ashford University where he earned his Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education in 2012. He then went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from Faulkner University in Montgomery, Alabama in 2014. In 2015, Mark released his first book titled “100 Years: A Journey to End a Vicious Cycle.” In his book, Mark shares the true story of how his family “collectively” wasted more than one hundred years in prison. He also shares some of the many challenges that he has overcome after being released from prison. Mark encourages others to join in the journey to end the cycle of crime and prison in the community. Later that year, Mark released his second book “These Are Your Flowers.” This book highlights the importance of letting our loved ones know how much they mean to us while they are alive. Mark went on to pursue a Master's Degree in Public Administration at Troy University. He has since transferred to Auburn University at Montgomery in 2015. In August of 2016, Mark released the book “100 Years II: Truth Be Told.” In his book, Mark addresses issues such as black-on-black crime, police brutality, as well as the identity crisis of African Americans. All of Mark’s books are available on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00TLXK5L6 In 2017, Mark earned a Master’s Degree in Justice and Public Safety from Auburn University at Montgomery. Mark plans to use his education accompanied with his personal experiences to help others. Mark is a living example that anything is possible. Mark founded “U Can” (Universal Community Advocacy Network) Community Organization, where he works with at-risk youth and has plans to work with adults in the future. Mark’s purpose is to make a difference in the lives of the individuals he serves. His goal is to decrease the high recidivism rate among both juvenile and adult offenders. Mark may be contacted by email at ucan.community@yahoo.com
Politics

The Write To Vote!

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Elections were held this past Tuesday. The results are in and some of us have become disappointed with the outcome, while others are overwhelmingly excited. The Republican Party now control both the House of Representatives as well as the Senate. With a new majority control of the Senate and maintaining control of the House, changes may be coming. These changes may be centered around minimum wage, higher taxes for the poor, health care, Higher College Loan Rates, among other things. Less than 50% of registered voters turned out to the polls. This doesn’t include those who have lost their right to vote because of a felony conviction. If you are in the 50% of registered voters who didn’t vote, you shouldn’t have any complaints.

Writing is a gift that can be used in order to spark greater ideas. Writing can also be used to make necessary changes in any society. It is very important for us to become educated on the laws and rules which governs us. This will help us become more productive citizens as well as a more educated voter.  I intentionally used the word write instead of right. Our right to vote can be our greatest tool used to implement change. This right is granted and protected under the United States Constitution. As a writer, I was given the gift of writing and I wanted to use it for a worthy cause. Having the right to vote is much more than a worthy cause, it’s a must . I think that it is very important to use this gift as a tool in order to help others. There are a number of disenfranchised American citizens who pay taxes, just like everyone else, but are not afforded the right to vote. I think that these brothers and sisters also deserve to have their rights granted as well. When I think of equality and living in a just society, having the right to vote comes to mind. I realize that everyone in society, above the legal age, must have this right in order to level the playing field. Also those who have this right must go to the polls and let their voice be heard. This is the purpose that I took the time posting “the write to vote!” Have a great day everyone!

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